Research has found that regular physical activity appears as effective as psychotherapy for treating mild to moderate depression. Therapists also report that patients who exercise regularly simply feel better and are less likely to overeat or abuse alcohol and drugs. Source: CMHA

The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) – Stratford General Hospital site has declared an influenza outbreak on the Medicine / Integrated Stroke Unit.

“The outbreak has been called as four of our patients on the unit have tested positive for influenza,” says Anne Campbell, Vice President Partnerships and Chief Nursing Executive. “In response to the outbreak we are working closely with the Perth District Health Unit. We have closed the unit to admissions, restricted visitors to two per patient and have put some limitations on staffing for the unit.”

All patients on the unit are currently being offered Tamiflu prophylaxis.

Visitors to the unit are asked to follow proper hand hygiene procedures and are reminded to cough or sneeze into their arm versus their hands. Any visitors not feeling well or experiencing flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and or sneezing) should refrain from visiting until they are feeling better. Exceptions will be made for compassionate grounds or for direct family members of palliative patients.

“With flu still prevalent in the Huron and Perth communities we'd like to remind the public there are several things that can be done to protect yourself and others from contracting influenza,” adds Campbell. “Get a flu shot, which is still available from your family doctor and local pharmacies; wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitize; if you are not feeling well please stay home and rest; keep commonly touched surfaces clean and cough or sneeze into your sleeve.”

HPHA will continue to update the public, as our information changes or more becomes available.